Central Guest House: Our full report

Just a five-minute walk from the centre of Swakopmund, in a quiet area, the relatively new Central Guest House is a good base for those travelling around Namibia, and perfect for self-drivers. With welcoming and friendly staff, this owner-run guesthouse is clean, cosy and bright.

The guest house is a slightly unprepossessing grey building with a secure car park to the side, accessed by an electric gate. There is no garden as such, although there is a small courtyard with tables and chairs at the back of the property.

The Central has seven bedrooms, four upstairs, two downstairs, and a family room outside which sleeps four. All are large, with high ceilings, white walls, dark mahogany furniture, comfortable (extra-length) double or twin beds and crisp white linen. Each room has air conditioning, tea- and coffee-making facilities, a safe, a flat-screen satellite TV, a hairdryer, and WiFi access. Each also has its own spotlessly clean white en-suite bathroom with a powerful shower or a bath, although two rooms have a shower and a bath.

Outside the rooms on each floor is a well-stocked communal minibar, thoughtfully located to avoid noise from the fridge at night. This is run as an honesty bar with a small selection of drinks, and sweet and savoury snacks and fruit.

Main facilities at the Central Guest House include a comfortable lounge with an open fireplace, and a small dining room, where a buffet-style breakfast is served. Outside is a small courtyard with a braai area that guests can use.

The guesthouse is run by its owners, Monica and Jockel Grüttemeyer, who took over in July 2010 and are usually around and invariably very helpful. On our last visit, Central Guesthouse explained to us that they were planning to build a conservatory.

Many of Swakopmund's restaurants, shops and museums are within easy walking distance of the Central Guest House, and the owners will help to arrange any activities, too (there is a wide range of literature on these in the main area).

Our view

Central Guest House is a cosy, comfortable and welcoming guesthouse, run by owners who clearly care for the guesthouse and its guests. It's a very good base for a few nights' stay in Swakopmund.

Geographics

Location: Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: 2–3 nights

Directions: The Central Guest House is situated on the corner of Lüderitz & Leutwein streets, close to many restaurants and shops.

Key personnel

Owner: Monica and Jockel Grüttemeyer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Food quality: Central Guesthouse operates on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Breakfast is generally a selection of fresh fruits, yoghurts, eggs and bacon cooked to order, juices, and freshly brewed coffee and tea.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor Dining

Drinks included: Drinks are not included at the Central Guest House. A bottle of mineral water costs about N$6, a coke N$7, a beer N$10, and a small bottle of wine N$17-24.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at the Central Guest House.

Equipment: None

Generally recommended for children: Yes, we would recommend this for children – although note that the stairs are tiled, and hence relatively easy to slip on for small children.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: There are no telephones in the bedrooms, but guest can use the lodge's phone at the reception. There's also internet and wireless access in reception.

TV & radio: Each room has satellite TV.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: There's a doctor and the private Cottage Hospital in town (about 5-minutes' drive from the Central Guest House).

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: A security service guards the whole block where the Central Guest House is located.

Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in the kitchen, although not in the bedrooms upstairs.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Full laundry service – extra charge

Money: There's a safe for personal belongings in every room.